# Paraguayan yerba mate industry international expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paraguayan-yerba-mate-industry-international-expansion > Updated: 2026-10-15T13:01:42.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Paraguayan yerba mate industry is transitioning from a high-volume production model toward a strategy focused on value-added products, sustainability, and increased competitiveness. Industry leaders, including Eduardo Oswald of the Centro Yerbatero Paraguayo, have emphasized that the sector is a vital economic driver supporting more than 55,000 families. To facilitate international expansion, stakeholders are working with the Comisión Mixta de la Yerba Mate to develop a strategic roadmap. Initial commercial efforts have targeted Middle Eastern markets, such as Turkey and Azerbaijan, with future goals to reach regions like Syria. As the industry grows, production from regions like Itapúa has expanded its reach to more than 21 countries, including Spain, Australia, Norway, the Czech Republic, and Lebanon. The product is increasingly viewed as a versatile alternative to other functional beverages. Industry experts note that maintaining quality depends on precise raw material composition and milling techniques to ensure proper flavor and consumption experience. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-15: Yerba mate expands global reach to over 21 countries Yerba mate is seeing global market expansion from Paraguay to over 21 countries, while remaining a staple in Argentina, valued for its nutritional and antioxidant benefits. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yerba-mate-expands-global-reach-to-over-21-countries ### 2026-10-11: Paraguay yerba mate industry targets international market expansion Paraguayan yerba mate producers are shifting focus toward value-added products and international market expansion, targeting regions like the Middle East to bolster the sector's economic impact. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paraguay-yerba-mate-industry-targets-international-market-expansion --- Cite as: Paraguayan yerba mate industry international expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paraguayan-yerba-mate-industry-international-expansion